PRIESTLY SOURCE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Priestly source" refers to one of the four main sources identified by scholars in the composition of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. The Priestly source is believed to have been written by a group of priests during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE) or shortly thereafter.
This source is characterized by its emphasis on religious rituals, cultic practices, and priestly duties. It is particularly concerned with matters of religious observance, including the establishment and construction of the Tabernacle (a portable sanctuary), laws of sacrifice, purification rituals, and the establishment of the priesthood within the Israelite community.
The Priestly source is distinct from the other sources in terms of its style and vocabulary, using a more formal and technical language compared to the other sources. It also provides detailed genealogical records, chronologies, and an interest in numbers and measurements. The source is particularly evident in the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and parts of Deuteronomy.
Understanding the existence and contributions of the Priestly source is a result of the historical-critical method applied to biblical scholarship. This approach involves a thorough analysis of the biblical texts, discerning different sources, and tracing their historical and cultural contexts. The identification and examination of the Priestly source, along with other sources like the Yahwist, Elohist, and Deuteronomic, contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the composition and development of the Hebrew Bible.
Etymology of PRIESTLY SOURCE
The term "priestly source" does not have a specific etymology on its own, as it is a combination of two words: "priestly" and "source". However, I can provide you with the etymologies of these words individually.
1. Priestly: The word "priestly" originates from the Old English word "preostlic", meaning "pertaining to a priest". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*preustaz", which means "priest". Ultimately, this word can be traced back to the Late Latin word "presbyter", which means "elder" or "priest".
2. Source: The word "source" comes from the Old French word "sourse", which was derived from the Latin word "sors", meaning "spring" or "fountainhead".
